How to Identify Symptoms of the Shingles Virus

The shingles virus is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has previously had chickenpox may eventually develop shingles (because the virus lies dormant in your body). The medical term for shingles is Herpes Zoster, but this is not the same type of herpes virus that is an STD (genital herpes). Herpes is basically a skin rash which consists of painful blisters on certain parts of the body. Fortunately, the shingles virus is treatable. There are a few things that you can do to help you identify symptoms of the shingles virus.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you have any of the risk factors for the shingles virus. The most common risk factors for the shingles virus includes having a previous chickenpox infection, suffering from stress, being fatigue, a weakened immune system due to certain illnesses such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, currently taking medical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy and being over the age of 60.

• 2

  Pay attention to how you are feeling each day. People who have shingles may feel ill or sick; may have a fever, headache, upset stomach or chills. You may also lose your appetite and not have the energy to do your daily tasks.

• 3

  Verify whether or not you have extreme pain or sensitivity in your body. For example, you may notice a burning sensation in a band on one side of your body (such as around your waistline or on one side of your face). You may also feel itching, tingling or aching pains throughout your body.

• 4

  Check to see if you have a rash. Look for raised, red bumps and blisters on your body. The rash appears in the same area where the pain developed and the blisters and bumps are clustered together in that specific area. The blisters eventually become filled with pus over the next week or so.

• 5

  Call your doctor for an appointment. If you have any of the symptoms listed in the above steps, you should immediately call your medical doctor for an appointment. Your doctor can examine the rash and give you tests in order to confirm that you have the shingles virus.

• 6

  Visit your doctor and complete the required tests. Once your doctor examines you, he informs you of your health status and discusses treatment options with you. It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks for the shingles virus to disappear.